9 Best Sailing Bags – Sailing Bag Options

If you sail a boat of just about any kind, you know it’s a good idea to have a good sailing bag to keep all your belongings together. Whether you are heading to the changerooms, up in the club after a hard day’s sailing, or stowing your sailing gear below deck when out on the water, your valuables such as your watch, wallet, smartphone, spare clothing, and maybe even your laptop all need to be protected.

Not only do you want to keep them secure, but you will also want to keep your gear dry. These days there are some excellent sailing bags to help out. They include duffel bags, dry bags, backpacks, pouches, and accessory bags.

In this article, we will explain each of these categories and review our top picks for the best sailing bags going around at the moment.

Main Types Of Sailing Bags

My personal sailing kit bag is a sailcloth duffel bag. I bought a sailing jacket and pants years ago from a local sailmaker, and he shipped it to me in a bag made from old sails – well it wasn’t actually “old” sailcloth, I assume it was offcuts of new sailcloth from sails that he just made or repaired.

I thought “What a great idea! This is one of the best sailing bags I’ve seen… simple but effective.”

Rather than throwing offcuts of the sailcloth into the trash, he stitched up these bags made from sails and offered them to local sailors. It’s a win for him, in that it cuts down on waste he has to get rid of, and it’s free advertising for him (he puts his logos on the bags and straps). After a day’s sailing, quite often you don’t take your sails back up into the club, but you almost always take your bag with you, so it’s advertising for him wherever you go.

They probably don’t take too long to make – they’re stitching 100’s of yards of sails every day, so a bag would be pretty quick and easy. He might have even got his apprentice to do it.

The bags are made out of sailcloth, so they are super strong. It also has long straps which makes it easy to carry. Mine has a really sturdy zipper and heavy-duty stitching as well, and the whole bag just feels like it will last a long time.

A few downsides – it’s not a waterproof sailing bag, and it doesn’t have any compartments, but for me, it’s not a massive deal. Having these features would be good sometimes though.

When I go sailing on yachts, I’m a bit paranoid about water getting into my car remote, phone, and wallet. Bags often end up all over the place when sailing in yachts – there’s often water in the bottom of the boat and you can get it coming in from rain, waves, or sail changes, so I just slip all of these important water-sensitive items into a zip-lock freezer bag and so far, it’s worked fine for me.

But if you want something a little more practical and sturdy, then make sure that you check out some of our picks of the best sailing bags going around below…

Sailing Duffel Bags are similar in design to your standard gym bag. Typically they are waterproof, lightweight, and durable. They are usually made from polyester, have carry straps, and pockets, and are soft-sided for easy storage and to protect your sailing gear.

These are classed as the best sailing bags by many because they are often designed specifically for sailing, so can handle everything you throw at them

Helly Hansen Duffel 2 Water Resistant Bag

Key Specs

This Helly Hansen Duffel Bag has a sporty and contemporary look. It is made from 100% polyester fabric which makes it durable and lightweight. This sailing bag is also waterproof and has top carry straps with removable padded shoulder straps.

The straps make this bag easily convert to a backpack if desired. There are two pockets, one on the outside with a zipper plus another on the inside. It also comes with its own external wash bag.

Aqua Quest Waterproof Duffel Bag

Key Specs

In addition to providing all the functionality of a regular sailor duffel bag, this Aqua Quest product offers protection from the elements for your valuables. It is lightweight and durable and does a good job of keeping water, snow, dirt, dust, and sand out.

There is a comfortable padded grip handle as well as a removable/adjustable shoulder strap. Two external mesh pockets and four webbed loops ensure you can store and haul your belongings and keep them dry. The manufacturer of this product has added a two-year ‘no worries’ warranty.

Waterproof Sailing Dry Bags are designed for the elements. Made from durable materials such as tarpaulin, these bags are lightweight and have a tall, cylindrical shape with extra strong seams and a carry strap. They will hold a lot of things you want to keep safe.

MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

Key Specs

Lightweight, compact and durable are all words that best describe the MARCHWAY Floating sailing dry bag. It is made from rip-stop tarpaulin fabric and features a sturdy welded seam. Even under extreme conditions, this bag will survive the trip and keep your valuables protected from the elements.

With a secure, watertight seal, whatever you load into it will remain dry at all times. It is easy to use and clean and will float on water if it ends up overboard.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Key Specs

The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is another product that will float on the water should you accidentally knock it overboard. It is lightweight, durable, and waterproof.

It has a comfortable shoulder strap. The seams are extra strong so you can pack the bag full of valuables like your phone, camera, and more!

It also comes in a range of colors and sizes.

Sailing Backpacks are much like a standard backpack but with some really great extra features. In addition to being waterproof and made of durable material, such as vinyl tarpaulin, they look great.

Designed to be both functional and attractive, these backpacks are equipped with pockets, straps and come in large sizes so you can stow away a lot of different things ranging from clothing to valuables. Plus, there are pockets to help keep you organized.

Gill Race Series Team Backpack

Key Specs

It’s a backpack with a difference. This Gill sailing bag is huge. It will hold up to 35 liters of stuff in a waterproof, durable PVC tarpaulin-constructed space. There are a number of different compartments including a large pocket in the front.

It is padded for comfort and is highlighted by a stylish design that will keep clothes and extras dry and easy to access when needed. The seams are welded, not stitched which makes them stronger and longer-lasting.

FE Active 30L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack

Key Specs

It’s lightweight and a waterproof sailing backpack that floats. The FE Active Dry Bag Backpack will keep your essentials dry and easy to find. Made from vinyl tarpaulin, the seams are welded and there is a solid roll-top closure that provides a watertight seal.

Other great features include a reinforced one-handed strap, chest strap, and comfortable shoulder strap. It also contains elasticized webbing and mesh-netted pockets for additional storage. With contemporary styling, this bag fits in with any type of extreme adventure you can throw at it.

Not every day out on the water calls for a large storage solution. However, if all you plan to protect from the elements are a number of smaller items or even your laptop computer, you’ll find sailing accessory bags and pouches designed to meet your specific needs.

Waterproof, lightweight, and durable, your electronics or other valuables will be protected and safe. Made with seals, zip pockets, and straps, you’ll be able to take your things on your next day out on the water and keep them dry.

Blue sky BASICS Waterproof Pouch

Key Specs

The blue sky BASICS are ultra-light waterproof pouches. They are designed to keep your valuables safe from water and theft. Available in a 2-pack, the pair weighs less than a quarter of a pound but are durable and effective.

The pouch includes three zip lock seals to keep your accessories dry and an adjustable strap to keep your essentials secure by your side.

Aqua Quest Storm 100% Waterproof Laptop Case

Key Specs

When you have your laptop with you sailing, it stands a good chance of getting wet. With the Aqua Quest Storm Laptop Case, you just insert, zip and water won’t get anywhere near it. The case is completely waterproof, lightweight, and durable.

It is designed with a low profile that is specifically for a laptop. The sleeve is padded so it will hold your laptop securely and the double zip-lock seal keeps water out. The welded seams give it strength. The manufacturer has attached a lifetime ‘no worries’ warranty to this product.

Why Choosing The Right Sailing Bag Is Important

I’ve been sailing for well over 10 years, and I’ve been storing my gear in a sailing bag for just as long. When I started sailing, I had no idea what a sailing bag was and whether or not I needed one. I was simply told to get one… so I did. I went to my local sailing store, bought the first model I saw, and then went on my merry way.

The sailing bag I got was adequate, but it wasn’t great. It just had enough room for all my sailing gear, but it was certainly not the best bag out there. As time went on, I started paying more attention to other sailors’ bags, and I quickly realized that mine was not the best option.

If you’ve ever been sailing, you know how important it is to have a good sailing bag. But you might not know why. There are a few reasons why a sailing bag is such an important tool… understandably many of them are about convenience and practicality, rather than fashion.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Sailing Bags

The right sailing bag is one that is versatile, durable, and easy to use.  Take your time choosing.

If you’re sailing, you want your bag to be able to hold all the things you need to get the job done. This means that the size you require may vary depending on the type of sailing you do and what you like to carry, but it also means that your bag will be quite big. You want a bag that is going to be durable and easy to carry.

A good sailing bag will not only keep your gear protected from the elements but will also be easy to carry. This is why some people choose waterproof bags, or if they carry a laptop, padded options are also available. Long, strong, comfortable carry straps or handles are a must, and a zipper that will not fail when exposed to saltwater and the sun is also critical.

With so many choices out there, how can you decide which sailing bag is the best one for you?

Best Sailing Bags… What’s Your Pick?

There are many types of sailing bags, but the best sailing bags all have the same basic requirements – lightweight, durable construction, and waterproof. Some come with a specially designed airtight seal while others have zippers.

Each has straps to allow you to carry the bag wherever you need it to be. A few styles will actually float on the water should they get knocked overboard. All contain compartments for added security when storing valuables.

Often when out on the water it’s a concern that your valuables and gear can get wet. If you share this concern, then you’ll want to invest in one of the best sailing bags you can afford to keep your essentials from getting damaged.

Before you go out to purchase a bag, you should know what to look for and what you want. There are many different things you need to be aware of before you purchase a sailing bag. If you enjoy sailing, you should definitely consider investing in a good quality sailing bag. A good sailing bag will last a long time and make your life a lot easier. Because it’s hard to know what to look for, we hope that our picks of the best sailing bags that we have provided above has helped to narrow down the options for you.